VESTAL, N.Y. (WBNG) — Binghamton University students connected with campus and community resources focused on mental, physical, social and emotional health during a wellness event that ended with a world record attempt.
The event, called Matters of the Mind, was hosted by the Binghamton Student Managed Adderall Research Team, or B-SMART. Binghamton University’s West Gym turned into a one-stop shop for wellness.
Dr. Lina Begdache, associate professor of health and wellness studies, said B-SMART started in 2018 in response to student concerns about Adderall misuse on campus.
“Be Smart actually started in 2018. There was a need from the student to understand what is the impact of Adderall use, illicit use on campus,” Begdache said.
Begdache said students often saw Adderall as safe because it was prescribed, without thinking about long-term consequences.
“Student don’t realize that it’s actually a substance that can modify their brain structure, their brain function… because they think it’s a prescribed medication, so it’s safe,” she said.
Some students took it, hoping for a boost in grades.
“Most of the use was linked to having an increase in their GPA, which actually we found that it’s not true. It’s actually over time students would have a lower GPA with the regular illicit use,” Begdache said.
The goal was awareness and making sure students knew help was available.
“First, that there’s always help if they need help. And second, no substance is safe,” she said.
The event ended with a world record set by health and wellness studies lecturer Bill Clark, who tore 21 decks of cards with his bare hands in 30 seconds.
“There’s a big difference between impossible and difficult, and that’s what we’re trying to do here. So to be a part of the health and wellness program, to be a part of these programs that they have here at BU, is an absolute honor to me,” Clark said.
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